Female Runners Detail Experiences of Harassment and Safety Concerns

It is 7pm, and after a busy day, the author prepares for an evening run. The routine involves putting on hi-vis gear, a head torch, and setting a smartwatch. However, before leaving, a crucial step is messaging her husband with the exact route and estimated return time. The author notes that this practice, while a “grim reality” for women, particularly at this time of year, should not be a necessary part of their routine. The author, a female runner, states that verbal abuse, wolf whistles, car beeps, and inappropriate comments have become almost commonplace. She reports that numerous other female runners share similar experiences, especially as evenings become darker. The author recounted a particularly alarming incident where a group of men in a car followed her, with one man shouting after winding down the window. This occurred near her home, prompting a desire to get home quickly. The author also mentioned instances where individuals ran alongside her in an attempt to intimidate, noting that such behavior does not occur when running with male friends or in a group. Jeannine Ursell, from North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, reported being subjected to beeping and shouting from individuals in cars and vans. She stated, “They’re usually commenting on my appearance, my looks or my body and it can make me feel really intimidated. “Ursell added that “When it gets darker, around dusk, is probably the worst time.” She explained that while running provides “head space,” these incidents disrupt it. Ursell also noted, “I’ve got friends who won’t go out running and have taken to the treadmill in the gym, which I think is quite sad. “Consequently, she is “doing more group running because I wouldn’t particularly want to go out on my own.”” Gemma Stephenson, also from East Yorkshire, schedules her runs around her full-time employment and young children, often running in the early morning or after work. She commented, “It is dark and I live in a village where it is quite rural, so I do find it a lot more uneasy when I go running in the dark.” Her husband can track her via a smartwatch, necessitating advance route planning. Stephenson stated, “I always carry my phone in case of an emergency, and I have run early in the morning holding a torch.” She further explained, “It can be used as a light, but also as a means of protecting myself if I need to.”” Melissa Hawkes, from Lincoln, has become a member of a new local running group, Just Run Community, to enhance her safety while running with others. The author joined Hawkes on a run in North Hykeham, located south of Lincoln. Hawkes remarked, “There’s a good running group here and having that community and other people to run alongside is great.” She continued, “It helps us to stay together, feel safe. People have shouted at me, people have commented on my running, I get comments about the clothes that I’m wearing, parts of your body that they shouldn’t be saying anything about.” Hawkes concluded, “It does make me think about the routes that I choose and whether I am safe.”” All three runners interviewed expressed that individuals directing such comments at women should consider the emotional impact. Melissa Hawkes stated, “It’s not something that is going to change overnight, I think it’s something culturally we have to change.” She emphasized, “We have got to teach those around us that it is not appropriate to say these things to people who are just trying to better themselves and doing something that they enjoy.”” Data released by This Girl Can, a Sport England campaign promoting women’s physical activity, indicates that nearly three quarters (72%) of women modify their outdoor activity routines during winter. Additionally, earlier this year, the University of Manchester reported that over two thirds of women (68%) had encountered abuse while running, with only a small number of these incidents being reported to the police. Both Lincolnshire Police and Humberside Police have declared that addressing harassment and enhancing women’s safety is a “priority.” A spokesperson for the Humberside force informed the BBC, “Unsolicited and unwanted comments, gestures, wolf-whistling or ‘catcalling’ can cause distress and offence to victims and we would encourage anyone affected to report it. “The spokesperson added, “We are working closely with local running groups to understand the concerns… and to offer them appropriate support.”” A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police stated that women and girls ought to be able to “feel safe and be safe,” and “free of fear and harassment.” The force is “continu[ing] to take opportunities to highlight the issue with, for example, videos created in partnership with Lincoln College and a behavioural change campaign targeting male behaviour.” Lincolnshire Police also advised runners to utilize the StreetSafe website and app to identify locations where they feel unsafe. The spokesperson concluded, “The information we collate allows us to work with partners to make improvements.””